The Wowowee state of viewer IQ

• Author: Kim
• Filed under: 'Ze Think Tank, Ethics, Politics, Society, TV
• Date: Nov 24,2008

It’s no laughing matter to realize that the so-called mainstream media most Filipinos are exposed to these days can really dumb down a generation. I am deeply concerned about a story I heard about filmmakers speaking to some kids in Malaybalay, Bukidnon who were asked what they aspired to become. Their daunting reply: to become one of the dancers of Wowowee.

I don’t mind gregarious lunch time entertainment but some things are definitely exaggerated. The usual exchange between Willy and his contestants is only humorous when the latter is made fun of. Touching, maybe, but their momentary joy in being part of the festivities hardly compensates for the reality after the show. Moreover, the mechanics of acquiring the coveted cash prize has been a guessing game for the most part. And self-jest. Filipinos are used to it, we can argue, we’re all good sports - that’s always good. But the image you put forth is that when it comes to poverty, nothing lifts the spirits but a game of chance. And that’s why kids would rather be good at dancing for Wowowee someday. Easy money.

But nothing is easy. While Wowowee was playing on, if you go through the other channels, you’ll find that news about corruption in our country is at a plethora. A mind numbing plethora. I bet so many people count more on “Papi” than they do on our nation’s leaders. The reason why we turn to the horse blinds is because we don’t want to see. Numerous Filipino viewers have self-denial in their psyche. It’s too painful to watch your struggling life and its entire infrastructure crumble to the ground.

And why has everyone forgotten about the Wowowee stampede? I can’t imagine why such a display of recklessness had been easily forgot. I’m so angry. Are people simply apathetic or pathetic these days? There’s a fundamental difference, and neither is the other’s consolation prize.

The Democrats dominate, finally!

• Author: Kim
• Filed under: 'Ze Think Tank, Politics
• Date: Nov 10,2008

(A somewhat irrelevant reminder:) I hope these Dems will do something about Proposition 8, hmph!

Proposition 8 a Proposition of Hate

• Author: Kim
• Filed under: 'Ze Think Tank, Music, Politics
• Date: Nov 8,2008

Imagine that just a few months ago, you and your sweetheart were finally married after so many years of restriction to do so.  And then suddenly you hear that the state no longer recognizes you’re married; that it is void. As newlyweds, it’s simply outrageous.  But for us homosexuals, it’s a reminder of the loathsome movement that goes against the freedom of a certain kind of people, otherwise known as discrimination.

The bigoted heterosexual America contends that marriage is an institution designed for heterosexual pairs. That society cannot legitimize, incentivize and recognize love relationships of people who happen to love the same sex.  The implications of the same-sex marriage ban trickles down to the true meaning of how freedom, respect and happiness are upheld for the US.  It’s wrong.  Proposition 8 is bigotry.

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Southisms officially endorses Obama

• Author: Kim
• Filed under: 'Ze Think Tank, Ethics, Politics, Society
• Date: Oct 29,2008

Just so we’re clear, kids, I am not a US registered voter nor am I a citizen yet. My mom’s Republican husband is voting for McCain (despite initially rooting for the more formidable Ron Paul), naturally with the intention of keeping Obama from winning the presidency. If you are a registered American voter, I advise you to vote for Obama instead and let me tell why you shouldn’t vote McCain.

If you are voting McCain, you will give the presidency the political leverage to continue to spend more money on the expensive and highly unethical war in Iraq.  As Nicholas Kristof of NY Times had put:

An American President who keeps troops in Iraq indefinitely, fulinates about Islamic terrorism, inclines toward military solutions and antagonizes other nations is an excellent recruiting tool. In contrast, an African-American president with a Muslim gradnfather and a penchant for building bridges rather than blowing them up would give Al Qaida recruiters fits.

If you are voting McCain, the likely chance that your ability to afford medical services will not change from the way they are now.  Under McCain’s policy, it will result to Americans still battling with self-interested insurance companies rather than government securing that the insurance is not a question but a right. McCain proposes that the US government should have nothing to do with insurance and is leaving your health care in the hands of those who wish to make money out of you.  Good luck.

If you are voting McCain, you will be backing a leader who is hesitant in sending foreign aid where the world needs it, panders to the interest of private corporations and has a little or no humanitarian world view.

Finally, if you are voting McCain, you will give the government the power to withhold or insufficiently subsidize important government responsibilities apart from health care, and that is education, advanced medical research and improved domestic welfare.

Listen to the Global preference, a cry for reason.   You are not only voting for an American leader but a world power.  Understand the gravity of your choice and how it impacts people across the globe.  Sense the desperation for renewal in American leadership and political narrative. 

Vote Obama. Vote Change.